[HOMESTRETCH] Regional basketball pride: The story of the Quezon Huskers

Taking their name from coconut farm workers in their province, this team aims to give back to their community

MANILA, Philippines – As the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League goes on to its 7th season on March 8, teams and fans also continue to grow. There were 29 teams in the 6th season, where the Pampanga Giant Lanterns bagged a finals series sweep, making them back-to-back champions of the league.

The team that they came up against in the finals? The Quezon Huskers, who are just competing in their second season.

In this episode of HOMESTRETCH, show host Pató Gregorio puts the spotlight on the young, hungry team: he talks to star players Topeng Lagrama and Ljay Gonzales about the season that catapulted them to within an arm’s length of the biggest prize. Gregorio also sits down with team manager Donn Kapunan, head coach Eric Lozano, and team owner and Quezon Governor Helen Tan to find out how the Husker’s dream came to be.

HOMESTRETCH aims to tell the stories of people that inspire us with their struggles and triumphs, and the places that help define our spirit as a nation.

Co-presented by Rappler and Duckworld, HOMESTRETCH is hosted by sportsman and tourism advocate Pató Gregorio. 

Watch on Sunday, February 23, at 8 pm on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook accounts. – Rappler.com